Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Haley Conklin graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. Conklin is the daughter of David and Jodi Conklin of Quarryville. She is also the sister of Emily Conklin.

The airman is a 2015 graduate of Solanco High School.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Haley Conklin graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. Conklin is the daughter of David and Jodi Conklin of Quarryville. She is also the sister of Emily Conklin. The airman is a 2015 graduate of Solanco High School.

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Col. Josiah Acosta received the Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol's highest honor. The award was presented by Brig. Gen. David E. Wood.

Acosta is the son of Federico and Donna Acosta of Lancaster. He has enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard and plans to attend college after training.

Business Info:Civil Air Patrol Cadet Col. Josiah Acosta received the Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol's highest honor. The award was presented by Brig. Gen. David E. Wood. Acosta is the son of Federico and Donna Acosta of Lancaster. He has enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard and plans to attend college after training.

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

Army Sgt. Cynthia M. Barraza has arrived for duty as a recruiter with U.S. Army Recruiting Station - Lancaster, U.S. Army Recruiting Company Harrisburg.

Barraza is the mother of Michael, Dominic and Isaac Barraza of Mount Joy. She is a 2000 graduate of Westwood High School in Mesa, Ariz.

Business Info:Army Sgt. Cynthia M. Barraza has arrived for duty as a recruiter with U.S. Army Recruiting Station - Lancaster, U.S. Army Recruiting Company Harrisburg. Barraza is the mother of Michael, Dominic and Isaac Barraza of Mount Joy. She is a 2000 graduate of Westwood High School in Mesa, Ariz.

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas J. Thomas graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Thomas earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of Ryan Thomas of Denver and Diana Rambler of Manheim and grandson of Carol and John Stark of Akron and Denise and Ken Thomas of Lititz.

Thomas is a 2017 graduate of Manheim Central High School.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas J. Thomas graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Thomas earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Ryan Thomas of Denver and Diana Rambler of Manheim and grandson of Carol and John Stark of Akron and Denise and […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force Airman Zachary R. Gager graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Gager is the son of Michael L. Gager of Willow Street and Tanya L. Frey of York. He is a 2017 graduate of Penn Manor High School.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Airman Zachary R. Gager graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

Air Force 2nd Lt. Patrick French received his Air Force pilot wings during the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 18-03 graduation ceremony on Dec. 15 at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. He also received the Academic Excellence award during the graduation ceremony.

The 54-week pilot training program begins with a six-week preflight phase of academics and physical training. The second phase, primary training, is conducted in the single-engine, turboprop T-6A Texan II. Primary training takes approximately 23 weeks and includes 254 hours of ground instruction, 27 hours in the flight simulator, and 89 hours in the T-6A aircraft.

After primary training, students select advanced training in the fighter-bomber or airlift-tanker track. Both tracks are approximately 26 weeks and are designed to best train pilots for successful transition to their follow-on aircraft and missions. French will continue his flight training in the C-130J Hercules, a tactical airlift aircraft.

French is the son of John French of Landisville. He is a 2012 graduate of Hempfield High School, and he earned a bachelor's degree in 2016 from United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Business Info:Air Force 2nd Lt. Patrick French received his Air Force pilot wings during the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 18-03 graduation ceremony on Dec. 15 at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. He also received the Academic Excellence award during the graduation ceremony. The 54-week pilot training program begins with a six-week preflight phase of […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Megan E. Zimmerman graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Zimmerman is the daughter of Brian L. Zimmerman and Tricia A. Zimmerman, both of Lititz. She is a 2017 graduate of Warwick High School.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Megan E. Zimmerman graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

Espinosa Segura is the son of Justo J. Espinosa of Lancaster. He is a 2003 graduate of York Comunity College in Jamaica, N.Y.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Giamly J. Espinosa Segura graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Espinosa Segura is the son of Justo J. Espinosa of Lancaster. He is a 2003 graduate of York Comunity College in Jamaica, N.Y.

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force Airman Austin Sweigart graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Sweigart is the son of Bradley and Pamela Sweigart of Denver. He is the grandson of Richard and Linda Sweigart of Denver and Elizabeth and Richard Brubaker of Reinholds. He graduated from Cocalico High School in 2016.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Airman Austin Sweigart graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Kameron C. Burkholder graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Burkholder is the son of Christopher E. Burkholder of Duncannon and Kristin J. Halterman of Elizabethtown.

He is a 2016 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Kameron C. Burkholder graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Burkholder is the son of Christopher E. Burkholder of Duncannon and Kristin J. Halterman of Elizabethtown. He is a 2016 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School.

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

The Pennsylvania National Guard sent 20 soldiers to assist the U.S. Virgin Islands in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on Oct. 12. The anticipated mission for the Guard members was to provide first aid, point-of-injury care and sick call for the service members providing relief to civilians there. In addition, they will provide urgent care to civilians on the islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, expanding an outreach mission established by the preceding unit. Upon arrival, the medical personnel integrated with thousands of National Guard members, active duty military, and first responders on site.

Additional Pennsylvania National Guard members are on duty at the Pennsylvania National Guard's joint emergency operations center. The center maintains continuous communications with the National Guard Bureau and PEMA in order to anticipate future requirements that could be assigned to Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers and airmen.

There are currently 22 Pennsylvania National Guard members and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters in Puerto Rico supporting relief operations. In September, the Pennsylvania National Guard sent a variety of both troops and equipment to provide support in Texas after Hurricane Harvey, Florida after Hurricane Irma and the U.S. Virgin Islands during Hurricane Maria.

Business Info:The Pennsylvania National Guard sent 20 soldiers to assist the U.S. Virgin Islands in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on Oct. 12. The anticipated mission for the Guard members was to provide first aid, point-of-injury care and sick call for the service members providing relief to civilians there. In addition, they will provide urgent care […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

Cmdr. Brian T. Coxson recently retired from the United States Navy after serving 22 years. His retirement ceremony took place at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, from which Coxson graduated in 1995.

Coxson is a 1991 graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School and is the son of Chuck and Eileen Coxson of Thorndale. Following his flight training in Pensacola, Fla., he was designated a naval aviator in June 1997.

Coxson's first sea tour as an SH-60B pilot was with the Proud Warriors of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Two (HSL-42). He deployed to the Mediterranean Sea aboard USS Monterey (CG 61), with the Standing Naval Forces Atlantic aboard USS Dewert (FFG 45), with Unitas aboard USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) and spent additional underway time on USS Normandy (CG 60).

His first shore tour was with the Airwolves of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Zero(HSL-40) as a flight instructor. There he served as Squadron NATOPS Officer and SH-60B Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Evaluator.

Coxson reported to the Swamp Foxes of HSL-44 as the OIC of DET 2 for his Department Head tour. In September 2006, he deployed onboard USS Taylor (FFG 50) to the 5th Fleet AOR in support of the Global War on Terrorism. His Detachment supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He served as Squadron Operations Officer upon his return from deployment. Coxson has accumulated more than 1700 hours in the SH-60B helicopter.

Coxson reported to the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., where he earned a master's degree in national security and strategic studies. After graduation, Coxson reported to the Office of International Engagement within the Defense Intelligence Agency. He worked as an executive agent handling counterpart visits for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Prior to reporting to the Maine Maritime Academy NROTC Unit to serve as the executive officer, Coxson served as the current operations chief for the Combined Maritime Forces while assigned to NAVCENT in Bahrain.

Coxson lives in Hermon, Maine, with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Amanda, Alex, and Allyson.

Business Info:Cmdr. Brian T. Coxson recently retired from the United States Navy after serving 22 years. His retirement ceremony took place at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, from which Coxson graduated in 1995. Coxson is a 1991 graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School and is the son of Chuck and Eileen Coxson of Thorndale. Following […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants to help pay tribute to all of the men and women from Pennsylvania who died as a result of the Vietnam War.

For the past two years the DMVA has partnered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) in Washington, D.C., to find a photo of every Pennsylvanian whose name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall - commonly referred to as The Wall. The VVMF is posting the photos on a virtual Wall of Faces in order to put a face and a story to every name, allowing these Vietnam veterans to be honored by family, friends and others from around the world. The organization is still trying to find 65 photos. A list with additional information on each person can be found by going to www.veterans.pa.gov, and selecting Wall of Faces.

Instructions on how to submit a photo are available at www.vvmf.org/how-to-submit. To view the virtual Wall of Faces, readers may visit www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces.

Business Info:The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants to help pay tribute to all of the men and women from Pennsylvania who died as a result of the Vietnam War. For the past two years the DMVA has partnered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) in Washington, D.C., to find a photo of […]

Higher Education

Cadet Jacob Michael Spangler successfully completed six weeks of Cadet Basic Training (CBT) at West Point U.S. Military Academy. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Spangler of York. He began classes at West Point on Aug. 21.

Spangler graduated from West York Area High School. He plans to graduate from West Point in 2021 and be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Business Info:Cadet Jacob Michael Spangler successfully completed six weeks of Cadet Basic Training (CBT) at West Point U.S. Military Academy. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Spangler of York. He began classes at West Point on Aug. 21. Spangler graduated from West York Area High School. He plans to graduate from West Point […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon J. Wood graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Wood is a 2015 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and the son of John and Stephanie Wood of Landisville.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon J. Wood graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Nigel S. Marquez graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Marquez is a 2015 Penn Manor High School graduate and the son of Rachel and Victor Marquez of Mountville.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Nigel S. Marquez graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Amanda L. Delromero Hughes graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.

Delromero Hughes is the daughter of David J. and Marla C. Hughes of Willow Street. She is a 2011 graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High School.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Amanda L. Delromero Hughes graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. Delromero Hughes is the daughter of David J. and Marla C. Hughes of Willow Street. She is a 2011 graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High School.

Higher Education

Cecily Ober, daughter of Dr. David and Boni Ober of Elizabethtown, graduated from Wheaton College on May 7 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She plans to attend the Chicago Medical School in the fall.

Since her graduation, Cecily has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. She has been selected for the U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program and will serve in the Army following her completion of medical school.

Business Info:Cecily Ober, daughter of Dr. David and Boni Ober of Elizabethtown, graduated from Wheaton College on May 7 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She plans to attend the Chicago Medical School in the fall. Since her graduation, Cecily has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. She has been […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew J. Kovall graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Kovall is the son of Sandra and Robert Kovall of Denver, the brother of Mitchell Kovall and Michael Kovall of Denver, and the grandson of Virginia and Andrew Kovall of North Versailles.

He is a 2009 graduate of Grandview Heights Christian Academy in Ephrata. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2014 from Pennsylvania State University.

Business Info:U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew J. Kovall graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Kovall is the son of Sandra and Robert Kovall of Denver, the brother of Mitchell Kovall and Michael Kovall of Denver, and the grandson of Virginia and Andrew Kovall of North Versailles. He […]

Military Honors/Graduations/Appointments

Hottenstein is the son of Joyce A. and Joseph S. Hottenstein of Bainbridge, and he is the husband of Melanie A. Desplat of Allentown.

He is a 1997 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2010 from American Military University in Charles Town, W.Va.

Business Info:Air Force Capt. Joseph J. Hottenstein graduated from Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer (CSO) Training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Hottenstein is the son of Joyce A. and Joseph S. Hottenstein of Bainbridge, and he is the husband of Melanie A. Desplat of Allentown. He is a 1997 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School. He […]